Following the temporary Steering Group, which was tasked with the implementation and further development of the CIIIC programme, the Advisory Committee has recently been appointed. Who sits on it, and what is its role? Here is a short interview with chair Arda Gerkens, who has a strong affinity with and a wealth of professional experience in public values and is well acquainted with the creative industries, along with an introduction to the other five members.
What exactly will the role of the chair of the CIIIC Advisory Committee be?
‘I am the independent chair, and my role is to help the supervisory advisory committee perform at its best. I will keep inviting the committee to take up its role of informing, flagging and advising. Alongside that, I am a sparring partner for Heleen Rouw and will stay in close contact with her.’
Why did you say ‘yes’ to this role?
‘When I saw the vacancy, I was immediately captivated by the subject. I had not been aware that there were already so many applications for immersive technology. Using this technology brings enormous opportunities, but also a great deal of responsibility. Given my background - I spent eighteen years as a member of both chambers of parliament and have always concerned myself with the darker side of the digital world - I believe I can add value and learn from this world myself.’
What in particular appeals to you about immersive technology and new content forms?
‘As a society we face an enormous number of challenges, and this technology can play an important part in meeting them. Alongside the digital world, the creative industries (Arda also chairs the Supervisory Board of the NVPI, the trade association for the film and music industry - ed.) run like a thread through my life. I love pioneering, preferably in a creative way; that all comes together here.’
How do you view digital resilience? What pain points do you see, and what opportunities?
‘The biggest risk with new technologies is that we act before we think. People see development opportunities with great enthusiasm, but often forget to take public values along with them. I worry about the many digital applications that are becoming available to the general public for entertainment. Look at what AI is doing with disinformation. The reflex is then often to blame the technology, but that is unfair. It is important to bring those public values into the development process. Admittedly, that creates a new tension, which can mean the enthusiasm is snuffed out by overregulation. The art is to let public values and innovation go hand in hand.’
Which developments within immersive do you think are essential to strengthen?
‘When it comes to privacy, immersive goes a good deal further than the ‘ordinary collecting of data’. The data being collected extends to people’s bodies, or even their brains. This needs attention.
Sadly, I too often hear people say that Big Tech already knows everything anyway. But at an early stage we can make privacy by design the standard in developing immersive - and that could even become a unique selling point!’
What is your dream or ideal in the field of IX?
‘IX is a voyage of discovery. It is like sailing across unknown seas towards what we think is the edge of the earth, but where a new world lies beyond. I still know too little about the applications to be able to describe an ideal; I stepped aboard this ship precisely to let myself be surprised.’
Finally, what is your personal mission or goal? When will your chairmanship have succeeded?
‘When, five years from now, we as a committee can look back with pride and a touch of nostalgia on a constructive period with satisfied stakeholders.’
The members of the Advisory Committee
Alongside chair Arda Gerkens, the Advisory Committee is made up of five members, each with their own expertise and background.
Joost Raessens — Professor of Media Theory at Utrecht University. Represents the research world.
Gert-Jan Brok — CEO of inMotion VR. Brings in the makers’ perspective.
Femke Hameetman — Artistic director of the Dordrecht Museum Organisation. Represents the users.
Matthieu Worm — President of the Virtual Worlds Association and Distinguished Key Expert at Siemens. Brings in international experience.
Gyzlene Kramer-Zeroual — Programme Director of Strategy and Equal Opportunities at ROC Albeda. Represents education.
Together they form a committee that safeguards the progress, quality and coherence of the CIIIC programme. Read more about the Advisory Committee.